Almost 33 years ago we received a wedding gift from my brother and sister-in-law. It was a set of metal measuring cups and measuring spoons that came with a little tree-like stand to hang them from.
They were mailed to us in Alabama, where we were living at the time. From there they traveled with us to Haiti. Then to Mountain View, California. Then to Bakersfield. Then to Fresno.
In preparing to move to Thailand, we decided to dispose of the little tree and just bring the utensils. So they traveled with us to Bangkok. Then to Chonburi. Then to Chachoengsao. And lastly they made the trip to Northern Thailand.
They have served us well. Baking things for ourselves and others. Teaching kids. Teaching adults.
A lot of tasty memories and fun times are attached to these little pieces of stainless steel.
But finally, all that strain got to the biggest cup...
and the handle came off.
At first I thought we would just throw it out. It served well for many years. Maybe it was time for it to retire. But my frugality got the better of me and so I bought some epoxy putty on our last trip to Chiang Rai.
Back in business.
Hopefully, these little utensils will last us for many years to come (though I don't know that they would be a priority item if we move back to North America). Like our bodies, they are a little worn with time but they still serve the purpose for which they were made. Maybe they need a little more attention now, but they still work.
I'd like to be like Caleb who said:
And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the LORD spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. (Joshua 14:10-11 ESV)
It's hard to imagine me being like this at 85 when I wake up with achy joints in the morning--and I'm not even 60 yet. (Maybe my cycling muscles are even stronger than when I was 40 just because I do it more--though when I start my rides it feels like it's been ages since I last rode, even if it was only the day before.)
But God only calls me to be like the cup and serve the purpose I was created for. If I do this, then I can trust the One who gives me that purpose to also provide the strength I need.
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
